Blanket Magazine

Publishers Club Zine {screenprint}

2011-03-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week I went into the one69a studio at Islington Mill in Manchester to test screenprint the Publishers Club zine covers!

Islington Mill is a beautiful old building with a seriously cool community of artists and creatives {yes I was ready to move in!} and there is always something going on… workshops, events, even yoga!

I met up with Mark {here he is above looking wistfully out a window…} who is not just an awesome screenprinter he is also a very generous host. He showed me around the building and introduced me to lots of different people – and after a quick coffee and chat we got down to some screenprinting!

I took a few photos while I was there to show the process we went through from finished artwork, burning the screens and then to the actual test printing of the zines. Hope you enjoy!

THE ONE69A STUDIO:

First let me show you their amazing studio space! It’s one large room shared by a group of people including one69a, a furniture craftsman, graphic designer/illustrator and fashion designer.

FINAL ARTWORK:

We are extremely lucky for our first Publishers Club zine to have 4 amazing cover artists: Lesley Barnes, Simon Wild, Stephen Chan and Daren Newman. As we didn’t have time to test them all we decided to use the artwork of Daren Newman as it had the finest detail and would be the more difficult to print.

TRANSFERRING THE ARTWORK ONTO THE SCREEN:

Once the artwork was printed onto acetate we then had to burn the artwork onto the screen.

BURNING THE SCREEN:

Usually there is a vacuum seal that would help keep the acetate flat for a clean transfer of the image but it’s broken so this is Mark’s high tech way to keep the acetate flat. Love it!

WASHING THE SCREEN:

This is the part I like! Once the screen is burnt the transferred image magically appears once the emulsion is washed away.

CHECKING THE TRANSFERRED IMAGE:

Mark checking how the transfer went…

Success!

SCREEN PRINTING:

Once the transfer had been completed it was then time to see how the images went once transferred onto paper {and the zine!}

THE FINAL RESULT!

Doesn’t this look amazing! We were really happy with how the image transferred. It even picked up the fine detail of the line work from Daren’s illustration and looked like the cover had been hand inked. After this test I can’t wait to see how the other covers turn out once printed.

THE PUBLISHERS CLUB X INKYGOODNESS EVENT!

Don’t forget our event is on tomorrow {eek! very exciting!} and we will be releasing our first Publishers Club collaborative zine – Totummy!

The Publishers Club and one69a will be set up in the basement at Cord Bar in Manchester so come down and have a go at screen printing your very own zine cover! We will also be screenprinting t-shirts, tote bags and prints. It’s going to be so much fun!

Saturday 12th March, 1-7pm,
Cord Bar, 8 Doresy Street (off Tib Street), Manchester

Daren Newman {Words & Pictures Exhibition}

2011-03-02T09:59:00.000-08:00

My sweet friend Daren Newman from Me & My Pen will be exhibiting his beautiful illustrations and typographic work next Thursday night at Cord Bar in Manchester. This is his first solo exhibition and he will be showing over 60 pieces of work – many of them previously unseen!

If you can’t make it to the opening night you can always join us on Saturday 12th March at Cord Bar for the Publishers Club x Inkygoodness event. You might even be lucky enough to screen print a limited edition Daren Newman piece yourself…

Publishers Club Zine Submissions {1 week left!}

2011-02-22T09:58:00.000-08:00

Just one week to get your submissions in for the very first Publishers Club Zine!

We’re looking for original illustration, design or photography that continues the theme of ‘Totem’. If you would like to get involved then please visit here for more information on how to submit your work.

As there is limited space in the actual zine we will be having a slide show projection of every submission during the day of our Manchester event where we will be releasing the Publisher Club zine {you will even be able to pick and screen print your own cover! But more on this later…}

Even I have been inspired by the theme and have been creating some artwork for the slide show. It’s still not finished but I thought I would show you all a little sneak peek below… {I’m not sure about the silver thread yet… it’s still a work in progress…}

Looking forward to seeing how others have interpreted the theme!

Bec

Blanket News {Exciting Update!}

2010-12-15T09:57:00.001-08:00

The start of a new year is always a chance to refresh the creative juices and I have exciting plans for Blanket this year!

My plans include a relaunch of the Blanket brand and a new-look website and to finally bring a long-cherished dream to fruition and release the first printed version of Blanket!! {I told you it was exciting!}

What this means is that the online mag will be taking a short break while I prepare for these changes. The first step for these initial changes is to also ask my readers what they think.

As Blanket’s readers have helped to shape Blanket into what it is today, I’m now seeking your feedback by releasing a survey. After the last survey {2 years ago!} it gave me greater clarity on what my readers wanted and I was just buzzing with enthusiasm and ideas on how I could move the magazine forward – and I know it will be the same this time!

I’ve deliberately keep the survey short {it should just take 5 minutes or so} and just as an added little thanks you will also go into the draw to win a MINI DIANA LOMO or 1 of 5 Exclusive Blanket Packs.

It’s a really important {and to be honest – scary!} step I am taking with Blanket and I want to make sure I do it right – so your feedback would be truly appreciated!

Please click: TAKE THE BLANKET SURVEY!

many thanks!
Bec

The Publishers Club x Inkygoodness {Manchester event!}

2010-12-15T09:57:00.000-08:00

Image via Concrete Hermit

I am excited to announce that The Publishers Club will be teaming up with Inkygoodness to create our next event in Manchester!

Some of you may know {especially if you were at our first London event!} that I am involved in a little side project called The Publishers Club with my fellow independent publishers Dave Hughes of AMMO Magazine, Julian James of NewSugar and Gordon Reid of Middleboop.

Founded in 2009, The Publishers Club aims to support the continued evolution of the independent publishing scene – both printed and digital – through a series of collaborative events and workshops held around the United Kingdom and further afield.

The Manchester event will be held at Cord Bar in the Northern Quarter on Saturday 12th March from 1pm to 7pm.

We have organised activities to happen during the day including live drawing from artists onto Character Totems {confirmed artists are Moot, Matt Saunders, Fon Fon & Toy Factory} and LIVE screenprinting by one69a{www.one69a.com}. We will also be releasing the very first Publishers Club Zine! {Read below on how you can get involved in this!}

Were hoping the day will be a relaxed networking event where people can just come and go during the day (or stay all day if they want!). So please come and join us for some creative fun!

You can find our more about the event via our Publishers Club mail out {sign up here} or RSVP on our Facebookpage!

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS {THE PUBLISHERS CLUB ZINE!}

If you can’t make the event you can still get involved! As part of the Publishers Club x Inkygoodness event in Manchester we will also be putting together our first zine!

The theme for our first zine is ‘Totummy’ and we’re looking for original art, design or photography submissions to be featured in it’s pages. As an extension of the Totem draw with Inkygoodness we are looking for submissions that continue the Totem theme. Need inspiration? Look here, here and here!

This is your chance to get involved in the first limited edition Publishers Club zine!

Submissions Info:

Complete your submission by the 1st March 2011
Make sure your piece is A5, portrait, black and white and 300dpi (print ready)
Attach it to an email with your full name and a short paragraph about you and your piece.
Send it to us at: submit [at] thepublishersclub.co.uk

Page to Page / Face to Face

2010-12-12T09:56:00.000-08:00

Blanket has always been about bringing creative people together from around the world – and this feel good story is where this ethos was taken literally!

The story starts back in Issue 24 {The Landscape Issue} when two artists both submitted their images to Blanket and were featured in the issue. Joanne Thies from Australia submitted the image on the left and João Bento Soares from Portugal submitted the image on the right.

When it came to laying out the pages of the magazine I decided to place their work side by side as I thought their work complimented each other beautifully. I did note at the time that it was a coincidence that their first names started with the same first 3 letters… I love things like that.

Just after the magazine was released Joanne contacted me to say she would be traveling to Portugal {another happy coincidence} so I suggested she should get in touch with João while she was there so they could meet face to face… and they did!

You can follow along the story on Joanne’s blog I Love Saturdays. The first post is here {where João and Joanne first make contact via her blog} and the second here {after their meet up in Portugal}.

I love so much about this story and I am happy to have played a small role in bringing these two amazing artists together. For me it sums up exactly what I have always wanted Blanket to be – a place where creatives all over the world can get together to meet and share ideas {of course I always thought it would be limited to virtually…}
I do hope this story might spark some more creative meetups around the world! Or maybe you have a similar story of meeting someone? I would love for you to share if you do – it doesn’t have to be related to Blanket – just if you have met up with someone after getting to know them through their blog or twitter. Email me at editor {at} blanketmagazine.com

Enjoy your weekend!
Bec

Let’s Celebrate! {Issue 25 is here!}

2010-12-10T09:55:00.000-08:00

Celebrations are all around us at this time of year but we have something extra to celebrate here at Blanket – our 25th issue! Scroll down to see what we are celebrating…

best wishes,

Bec

PS/ A big thank you to We Are Willow collaborative musicians Chris Butler and Simon Connor for allowing us to use their track ‘Pictures You Drew’ as a free download this issue. It’s our extra special gift for you this Christmas. Enjoy!

The Blanket 2011 Calendar!!

All Blanket Subscribers will receive the Blanket 2011 Calendar free with Issue 25 {or you can purchase it separately for $6 in the Blanket Online Store}

Blanket’s Cover Art

Our cover this issue was a collaboration between UK illustrators Thereza Rowe and Simon Wild. In our feature article we speak to both and ask them how they came up with the concept for our cover and they give us tips on how to achieve a successful collaboration.

Blankets Featured Font {FREE with this issue!}

Manuel Viergutz {aka EM-VII} a design student from Germany took inspiration from the Times New Roman font to create our featured font ‘Hand Times’.

The Blanket Calendar Artist Interviews

We introduce you to our 12 Blanket 2011 Calendar artists: Adam James Turnbull, Mark Malarky, Patrick O’Leary, Santiago Merino, Niki Pilkington, Devon Smith, Stephen P Loya, Ekaterina Koroleva, Rohan Fraser, Christopher Davison, Amy Friend and Reena Makwana. Read their interviews and see more of their work inside this issue.

Creative Writing

Blanket writer Jonathan Hulme invites us all to join him on his New Years Revolution.
Illustration by Nicola Rowlands.

Gwendoline Watson gives us helpful advice on how to be merry this Christmas (and no it doesn’t include drinking too much mulled wine}. Illustration by James Cotton.

Interviews

Our newest Blanket contributor and writer Charlotte Rivers interviews Liss Winnel from the distinctively dreamy blog Daydream Lily {Liss also introduces us to some stunning photographers!}.

DIY Tutorial

Our crafty Jessica Wilson {aka Jek} shares her Christmas memories and a DIY Tutorial on how to make Clay Ornaments.

Here’s my work… I hope you like it…

Artists featured inside this issue: Randi Antonsen, Claire Bradley, Kate Bushuk, Jo Cheung, Cinaski, Anne Cobai, Stella Asia Consonni, Oleg Danilovich, Philippa Garrard, Daria Hlazatova , Christine Johanson, Jough McLeod, Lin Mei, Nicole Mueller, Monica Rizzolli, Nicola Rowlands, Aida Sabic, Emily Sams, Fake Sartorialist , Christina Song, Åsa Wikman, Yuk Kee Yip and Eddie Yuen.

Issue 25 {sneak peek!}

2010-12-07T09:54:00.000-08:00

Issue 25 is almost complete so I wanted to release a little teaser to show you all what we have in store {including a snippet of our very colourful front cover collaboration between Thereza Rowe and Simon Wild!}

Once again this issue will be jam packed full of goodies – including a brand new Blanket Featured Font!
Blanket writer Jonathan Hulme invites us all to join him on his New Years Revolution.

Gwendoline Watson gives us helpful advice on how to be merry this Christmas (and no it doesn’t include drinking too much mulled wine}.

Our newest Blanket contributor and writer Charlotte Rivers interviews Liss Winnel from the distinctively dreamy blog Daydream Lily {she also introduces us to some stunning photographers!}.

And ever so crafty Jessica Wilson {aka Jek} shares her Christmas memories and a DIY Tutorial on how to make Clay Ornaments.

Plus we will finally be able to reveal our 12 chosen artists who will feature on the Blanket 2011 Calendar! Find out more about them and their work in our exclusive interviews.

Don’t forget all Blanket Subscribers will receive the Blanket 2011 Calendar free with Issue 25 {or you can purchase it separately for $6}

Blanket 2011 Calendar {submissions closed}

2010-11-18T09:53:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update to let you know submissions have now closed for the Blanket 2011 Calendar. We had such an overwhelming response {over 90 submissions!} and the level of talent is seriously outstanding {you guys rock!]}. Right now I wish there were more than just 12 months in a year – but unfortunately tough decisions have to be made.

Of course the task {and the responsibility!} of choosing just 12 artists was too much for just little ole me so I decided to ask 6 amazing {and secret for now!} Guest Judges to help in the decision making process. So together we will be choosing the final 12 artists and notifying them very soon!!!

Don’t forget! Obviously there is only a limited-number of 12 spots on the Blanket Calendar so if your work is not chosen you will still have the opportunity to have your work featured in Issue 25 as part of our ‘Here’s my work…’ Gallery. All successful applicants will be emailed with notification next week.

Good luck everyone!!

Issue 25 {it’s a cover art collaboration!}

2010-11-11T09:53:00.000-08:00

Illustration by: Thereza Rowe

Illustration by: Simon Wild

As per-usual we are very busy in the background preparing for our upcoming release of Issue 25 {look out for it in early December!} It’s an exciting milestone we will be reaching – not just because it will be number 25 but it will also mark 4 years of Blanket! {seriously where does the time go??} Anyway we couldn’t possibly let number 25 pass by without some kind of celebration!!

So including the very exciting release of the Blanket 2011 Calendar - featuring our soon to be chosen and announced 12 calendar artists {submissions are still open by the way – but be quick as the deadline is this coming Monday, November 15th 2010} we will also have an exciting cover art collaboration from two very talented UK illustrators Thereza Rowe and Simon Wild.

Both Thereza and Simon have a history of collaborating with other artists but this will be the very first time they have collaborated together on a project – so I am more than excited that our cover has given them the opportunity to finally work together – and even more grateful that they will complete it on very short notice and on a very short deadline – what professionals!!!

As individual illustrators their work is outstanding so I can only imagine the greatness that will come from their collaboration – and I am so interested to see how they will interpret my open {and deliberately vague} brief of “It should be bright, colourful, fun and shout ‘WOO-HOO’ at the top of it’s lungs!”

Blanket Poster on SALE {50% off this week only!}

2010-11-05T09:52:00.000-07:00

ONE WEEK ONLY!!!! THE BLANKET POSTER FOR JUST $5 (or £3!}

The Blanket Poster features 56 international artists, designers and photographers on one giant patchwork poster. The poster is packaged in a unique hand folded origami sleeve {with extra details including the debossed uv type on the front}.

Among the artists featured are Deanne Cheuk, Si Scott, Jeff Kleinsmith, Amy Sol, Beci Orpin, Jeremyville, James Gulliver Hancock, Anke Weckmann and Julianna Swaney… plus many more! It’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face and keep you creatively warm! Click here to purchase!

Poster Size: Folds out to 570mm(h) x 950mm(w)

Sleeve size: 190mm x 190mm

Posters are dispatched from the UK and Australia depending on your location.

OFFER ENDS: Friday November 12th 2010.

NEW ISSUE FOR DOWNLOAD

2010-11-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

Issue 24 – The Landscape Issue

We have another big issue for you to enjoy {yep all 152 pages of it!} In Issue 24 we are exploring the power of a landscape and how it can be manipulated, changed, re-constructed, shrunk or viewed from a different perspective. Scroll down to see what we have for you in this issue!

Enjoy!

Bec

Blanket’s Cover Art

We introduce you to our Blanket cover artist for this issue, Jo Cheung, whose ‘landscape’ illustration was influenced by her childhood holidays in Hong Kong.

Blankets Featured Font {FREE with this issue!}

The issue would not be complete without our Blanket Featured Font! This issue type designer, Darim Kim, brings us her font ‘My Fair Cody‘ which was designed as a tribute to her dog.

{DIY Tutorials}

Regular Blanket contributor Jek is back this issue with a brand new DIY tutorial on how to make a Diorama{Western style!}

We welcome new Blanket contributors Becka and Richard from Bliss in a Teacup {you met them in Issue 23 and we are so excited to welcome them to the team!} . Their DIY tutorial will show you how to create aLandscape Mobile.

I will also be showing you an easy Photoshop Tutorial so you can create the illusion of Tilt-Shift Photography {it will have you turning all your holiday photos into miniature landscapes!}

Artist Interviews

In our feature article we interview five very different artists that have all looked to the landscape for inspiration and are interpreting it in their own unique way.

1. Erin Tyner’s, photographic series Half Awake are carefully staged miniatures that depict  an unfolding scene of a lone figure in the landscape.

2. New York photographer, Matthew Albanese, can spend months assembling his model landscapes using everyday materials such as faux fur, steel wool, ground parsley, paprika, sugar, and table salt. His photos are so realistic that at first glance many people mistake them for actual landscapes.

3. If you were a garden how tended would you be? It’s the question, Frank Plant, asks his viewer in his seriesHow does your garden grow?

4. The contrast of an urban/rural landscape is a constant theme for photographer, Lindsay Blamey.

5. In her series You Are Here artist, Megan Scheminske, paints canvases using Google map reference images.
• Collage artist, Jesse Draxler, chats to us about his work and collaborating with other artists.

• Blanket writer, Jonathan Hulme, teaches us The Road Rules we should know before we take our next roadtrip.

• Gwendoline Watson embraces her fear and spends a night camping in the wild Welsh landscape in her storyFeel The Fear.

• Photographic Series: Silent Landscapes Photographs from Iceland taken by me! ; )

Plus we uncover 47 emerging artist from all over the world in our Gallery sections!

• Re_action! Artists featured inside this issue: Aga Prokopenko, Agurtxane Concellón, Alice Rebecca Potter, Bradley Pinkerton, Dinesha Perera, Elisa Sandoval, Emma Simmons, Ester Grossi, Francesca Tollardo, Ilaria Bagnulo, Iva Cukic, Joanne Thies, João Bento Soares, Joy Chokchai, Justin Kendall, Katica Pedisic, Keegan Green, Laura Carey, Lucy Eldridge, Mark Payne, MundoCaco, Nafisa Kaptownwala, Faunesque {aka Philippe Constantinesco}, Rena Littleson, Sarah Cunningham, Steve Poxson , Tamar Dolev, Tatchara Lertkitcha, tchmo, Threepetch Suprakob, Veronica Romanenghi.

• Here’s my work… I hope you like it! Artists featured inside this issue: Adriean Koleric, Alvaro Sánchez, Andy Geppert, Anna Maria Pacchioni {aka Annulla}, Carla Thursday, Christina Song, Daniel Mendoza, Eileen Moreno, Elumas Preslecky, Everly dark, Faunesque {aka Philippe Constantinesco}, Holly Exley, Kristian Jones, Lauren Holmes, Lucy Eldridge, Mark Payne, Matthew Aurilio, MundoCaco, Nafisa Kaptownwala, Rebeccah Power, Rena Littleson, Sarah Cunningham, Steve Poxson , Tamar Dolev, Tatchara Lertkitcha, tchmo, Threepetch Suprakob, Veronica Romanenghi.

Behold! {Blanket Gift Subscriptions}

2010-11-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

Yes that’s right. BEHOLD! We have just solved all of your Christmas present dilemmas. It’s the Blanket Magazine Gift Subscription! Spoil someone {or yourself!} with a Subscription for 6 issues of Blanket Magazine! You can purchase a Blanket Subscription {and other nifty products including previous Blanket issues, badges, artist cards and the Blanket Poster} in our Blanket Online Store. You’re very welcome!

Exquisite Book

2010-10-19T09:50:00.000-07:00

The Exquisite Book – Published by Chronicle Books.

Back in Issue 20 {I Think I Can Fly Issue} of Blanket Magazine we spoke to Julia Rothman about how she {and her business partners Matt and Jenny from Also} were putting the finishing touches on their upcoming book. Now, finally we can all see the results of their first curated art book The Exquisite Book!

The book was based on the Surrealist game the Exquisite Corpse and involved curating 100 artists to collaborate together. The book itself is split into separate chapters with 10 artists completing a section beginning with certain phrases – for instance “In the Clouds” or “In the Mountains”. Personally I think splitting the book into themes was a very clever concept as it shows the diversity of each of the artists and keeps a nice flow to the book {not that by any means you would get bored looking at the amazing artwork!}.

The list of artists involved is seriously impressive {and just to name a few…} Betsy Walton, Jen Corace, Carson Ellis, Lauren Nassef, Nigel Peake, Camilla Engman, Julia Pott, Luke Ramsey, Kate Bingham-Burt, Lisa Congdon, Mike Perry, and of course Julia Rothman.

If you would like to read more about The Exquisite Book and the artists involved you can follow the current blog tour – and also check out some mighty fine blogs along the way!

It began yesterday with the lovely Erin from Design for Mankind and today stops in at My Love For You Is A Stampede Of Horses. If you are super quick you might even score yourself your very own copy of the book – head on over and make a comment to win!

Call for Artists {Blankets 2011 Calendar!}

2010-10-12T09:46:00.000-07:00

BE UNCOVERED ON BLANKET’S 2011 CALENDAR!

Blanket’s 2010 Calendar was a huge success – featuring the work of 12 amazing artists – and this year it could be YOU we are uncovering!

Just like our mission last year we want to provide an opportunity for emerging artists to be uncovered by a larger audience – and what better way than to uncover a new artist every month on our Blanket 2011 Calendar! So as part of Issue 25 we are providing you the opportunity to have your work featured on the Blanket 2011 Calendar.

We have designed the Blanket 2011 Calendar template – now we just need some artists to help fill the gaps!

The 2011 Calendar is a PDF that is downloaded, printed and assembled and will be included as a free download for Blanket Subscribers or for single purchase in the Blanket online store.

If your work is chosen to be one of our featured artists you will receive:

• You and your work will be featured in an exclusive interview in Blanket’s Issue 25.

• Your name, work and website address will be featured on the Blanket 2011 DIY download-and-make calendar.

• You will receive a complimentary copy of Blanket’s Issue 25 and the  DIY download-and-make Blanket 2011 Calendar.

Please note: As there is only a limited-number of 12 spots on the Blanket Calendar if your work is not chosen you will still have the opportunity to have your work featured in Issue 25 as part of our ‘Here’s my work…‘ Gallery.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

There is no theme but we are looking for original art work created especially for the Blanket 2011 Calendar!

Please include in your email submission:

1. Your original artwork {image size: 78mm (w) x 72mm (h) jpeg, CMYK, 300dpi}

2. Your full name

3. Your website address {or an alternative URL address where people can see more of your work}

Please email your submissions to : calendar {at} blanketmagazine.com

SUBMISSION Deadline: November 15th 2010
{Winners will be chosen and announced on November 20th 2010}

Issue 24 {corrections}

2010-10-08T09:45:00.000-07:00

Ugh. Don’t you hate making mistakes? I do! Unfortunately it doesn’t mean they won’t happen from time to time. So I made a couple of website address errors in the current Blanket issue which I want to correct!

Firstly on page 9-10 the website address for our Blanket font designer Darim Kim should read “AboutLetters.com“, not “infoaboutletters.com”.

And lastly on page 25-26 the website address for ‘Here’s my work…’ contributor Philippe Constantinesco should read www.Faunesque.com and not www.aunesque.com

Thanks Darim and Philippe for being so understanding!

Issue 24 – The Landscape Issue {sneak peek!}

2010-09-29T09:39:00.000-07:00

Just a little sneak peek of what we have in store for you next issue!

We interview artists including New York model maker Matthew Albanese who spends months creating landscapes using materials such as faux fur, steel wool, ground parsley, paprika, sugar, and table salt, also photographer Erin Tyner who photographs miniature models in landscapes she has constructed, and Megan Scheminske who paints canvases using Google map reference images.

The issue will also include stories and articles from our talented Blanket contributor team. Writer, Jonathan Hulme, will be giving us some tips on how to take a Roadtrip {as only he can…}, Gwendoline Watsonembraces her fear of the dark and camps out ALONE in the wilderness.

Our brand new Blanket contributors Rebekah and Richard from Bliss in a Teacup {introduced to you last issue with their amazing DIY Tutorial on Linocuts} will be bringing us another fantastic DIY tutorial on how to make your own mobile. Jek is also back from her own roadtrip with a brand new craft tutorial – think Western diorama, and not to be outdone I will also be writing a tutorial on how to create your own miniature landscapes using your very own holiday snaps!

Plus we can’t forget our Blanket Featured Font designer Darim Kim with her font inspired by her dog Cody and our Blanket Cover Artist, Jo Cheung. Her illustration of paddy fields was inspired by where she grew up.

The next issue will be out on October 4th! It’s a good time to become a Blanket Subscriber don’t you think?

Papergirl exhibition {Manchester}

2010-09-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

Image credit: Papergirl ride by Papergirl Manchester

Image credit: Malark

Usually when I see a bike whizzing in my direction my immediate reaction is to get out of the way but during the month of October I may need to rethink this strategy. You see there is a new exhibition in Manchester making its UK debut. Papergirl is an art project originally from Berlin, started in 2006 by Aisha Ronniger as a reaction to the discussion in the media about the tightening of graffiti laws to include paste ups.

Artists from all over the world have donated works that will be distributed by bicycle in the streets of Manchester to random passers-by, in the style of American paper-boys. Each roll consists of posters, prints and originals, uniquely wrapped together to create a one-off combination of works.

There will be a chance to catch the artwork before it’s distributed at the launch/preview night on Thursday 30th September from 7pm at Soup Kitchen {31-33 Spear St, Manchester, M1 1DF}

The Papergirl Manchester Exhibition will run from 1st October to 21st October in association with Manchester Free for Arts Festival 2010.

Ammo Magazine Issue 4 {interview}

2010-09-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

** Warning shameless plug**

I just wanted to share some pictures of a recent interview I did with Ammo Magazine. The interview is actually a discussion about magazine publishing and running Blanket Magazine but Dave Hughes {Ammo’s Creative Director} indulged me and let me feature some of my photos from Iceland alongside the interview. Taking into consideration that my photos have nothing whatsoever to do with Blanket Magazine and Ammo usually features illustrators I really have no idea how I talked him into that one… {thanks Dave!}

Luckily there is a bevy of other talented illustrators featured including Ammo’s cover artist Aaron Miller, interviews with Si Scott, Any Forty, and Seymour and artwork from:

Anne Cobai / Ben Steers / Chris Thornley / Ellen van Engelen / Elly MacKay / Kate Hindley / Laura Pérez / Lydia Nichols / Monica Garwood / Paperfox Press (Inner Cover) / Paul Alp / PEPPER / Rob Mack / Thereza Rowe / Thom Glick / Tom Hovey / Vicky Newman / Will Scobie / Wilmer Murillo.

If you haven’t already been introduced to Ammo Magazine then right now is a good chance – because you can buy all 4 issues for just £15!

MrYen {Blanket Featured Font as a Papercut!}

2010-09-13T09:32:00.000-07:00

Last week I put a call out on Twitter asking if anyone had used the current Blanket Featured Font ‘Redis’ {free with the ‘Gone but not Forgotten‘ issue!} on a personal project. Jonathan Chapman aka MrYen - who just happens to also be interviewed in the same issue – tweeted that he would use the font to create a special paper cut! And here is the result – isn’t it lovely!

I would love to share more projects like this on the Blanket Blog so if you have used the ‘Redis’ font on a personal project {or any other Blanket Featured Font for that matter!} then why not send your work to me at editor {at} blanketmagazine.com so I can add it to our blog!

Issue 24 – The Landscape Issue {deadline!}

2010-09-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

Eek! Can you believe another deadline is fast approaching? It seems like just yesterday I was on holidays… and speaking of this it was my recent holiday that has influenced the upcoming theme of the issue: ‘Landscape‘.

It’s the power of a landscape that we will explore for the next Blanket issue – whether it be how a landscape can be manipulated, how it can be viewed from a different perspective or how it can change – sometimes instantly and without warning.

We’re asking you to send in your art, design or photography that has been inspired by these thoughts and ideas{but hurry submissions close on September 15th!}

** UPDATE ** Due to the Blanket website being hacked and down all last week I have decided to extend the submission deadline for Re_action and Here’s my work… until Sunday, September 26th!

Please read here for further submission details: ‘Submit Your Work’

Blanket Featured Font designers {featured on Smashing Magazine!}

2010-08-31T09:23:00.000-07:00

‘Juice’ by Dhany Arliyanti {Blankets Featured Font designer for Issue 17 – The Consumer Issue}

‘Neu Eichmass’ by Ivan Khemelsky {Blanket’s Featured Font designer Issue 22 – The Cosmos Issue}
I was very excited to see that not one but TWO Blanket Featured Font designers have been featured in Smashing Magazines list of 30 New Free High-Quality Fonts!!

Each issue of Blanket we have a specially chosen ‘featured font’ which we use throughout the magazine. I have to admit as a self-confessed typographic nerd one of my most favourite tasks is finding the perfect font that will compliment the theme of each issue and over the years we have shared some classic fonts with our readers. It makes me very proud to see these two designers getting the attention they deserve!

You can read more about Dhany and Ivan {and receive the free fonts!} in the Blanket issues below:

‘Juice’ by Dhany Arliyanti {Blankets Featured Font designer for Issue 17 – The Consumer Issue}

‘Neu Eichmass’ by Ivan Khemelsky {Blanket’s Featured Font designer Issue 22 – The Cosmos Issue}

Exhibition, shows, news…

2010-08-25T09:22:00.000-07:00

Now I have recovered from releasing the latest Blanket issue {have you got your copy yet? No? Then go here!} it’s time to catch up on what’s happening outside of Blanket world! There is plenty of exciting new exhibitions, and shows coming up so here’s a brief run down…

What happens when you ask 38 international artists and illustrators to ‘Play’. Well you can find that out in the upcoming exhibition organised by Michelle and Lisa from Inkygoodness!
The exhibition features over 120 one-off artworks and limited edition prints, many of which are available to purchase in the gallery or on our new online shop after the gallery preview, prices start from £50.
A limited edition issue of Ammo Magazine will also be available featuring a selection of the ‘Play’ artists – available on the opening night and via the online store.

‘Play’ will run from September 3rd until September 12th at the EAST Gallery, 216 Brick Lane, London which is open daily from 1pm – 7pm.

Featuring: Steph Baxter/Dave Bain/Colourbox/Docvek/Marcus Butt/ Stephen Chan/DBO/Camelia Dobrin/Christiane Engel/Good Wives & Warriors/Lisa Hassell/Kate Hindley/ Carlos Garde-Martin/Mister Millerchip/Simon David Mills/George Mitchell/Moot/Olive47/ Tom J.Newell/ Hannah Baber/ Vicky Newman/ Steve Rack/ Log Roper/Steven Silverwood/ Juan Salas/ Matt Saunders/Leila Shetty/Jason Devine/Karin Soderquist/Ben Steers/Mc Bess/Seb Burnett/ Sarah Dennis/ Michelle Turton/Toy Factory/ Simon Wild/ Mark Wilkinson & Gizem Vural.

You can also catch the Print Show of just one of the talented artists who participated in our Cosmos Blanket Project Sam Brewster in three different venues over the next few weeks. And for those geographically challenged the prints will also be on sale after the shows via Sam’s online shop.

Ambush Gallery brings us The Places in Between – a pop up exhibition featuring new work and installations by some of Australia’s best emerging artists including: Ape Seven, Beastman, Ben Frost, Bennet, Bridge Stehli, Drewfunk, Ears, Jumbo, Max Berry, Meggs, Mini Graff, Numskull, Phibbs, Roach, Sam Smith, Shannon Crees and Yok.

The exhibition will be held at HSBC Tower Lobby, 580 George, Sydney CBD, Australia and open daily from Monday to Saturday from 1st to 30th September.
Further info: www.theplacesinbetween.com.au

And last, but certainly not least, is Blanket illustrator Nicola Rowlands! Her new exhibition of illustrations {an array of frightening drawings} will open on Sunday 29th August at The Art of Tea. I’ll be there so pop in and say hi!

‘DON’T WAIT UP FOR ME’ EXHIBITION LAUNCH @ THE ART OF TEA

SUNDAY 29TH AUGUST, 7:30-10PM

The Art Of Tea {47 Barlow Moor Road, Didsbury Village, Manchester}

Exhibition runs until 29th November.

It’s here! Issue 23 is ready for download! {Yay!}

2010-08-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

Does the future of art and design actually lie in the past? It’s the subject we are exploring in our current issue the ‘Gone but not Forgotten Issue!

In this issue we explore arts and crafts from the more obscure traditional crafts such as macrame and automata to other traditional crafts (such as embroidery, papercuts and, of course, letterpress) and show how contemporary artists are using these crafts and their skills to create and influence modern art and design.

Surprisingly many of the skills have been self-taught by people who have a real passion and love for their craft. And it’s passionate people like them who will ensure that these traditional crafts are protected and preserved for generations to come. I hope you will enjoy this issue and will enjoy hearing the personal stories from some very passionate artist and designers. I even hope it may inspire you to learn a new skill of your own!

Bec

Scroll down to see what we have for you in this issue!

Blanket’s Cover Art

This issues Blanket cover took artist Katherine Beefheart a staggering 50 hours to embroider! It’s difficult to pick up all of the exquisite details on the cover image so I wanted to show you a closeup – just look at that gold embroidery – amazing! And Katherine’s original words {or word play I should say} is exactly the right theme we wanted to reflect with this issue – it certainly is the ‘Revival of the Fittest’!

Blankets Featured Font {FREE with this issue!}

One of Blanket’s favourite type designers, Vanessa Zoydberg, is back with another beautiful typeface for us to enjoy! Her ‘Redis‘ typeface was actually inspired by the lettering found on an old, metal sugar box – it couldn’t be more perfect for our theme!

We Are Willow {FREE Song Download!}

Remember the song download ‘Save it for Someone Else’ from Butler Williams in Blanket Issue 9 {The Holiday Issue}? Well lucky for us Chris Butler, one-half of the duo from Butler Williams, is back again with another beautiful song especially for us. Chris has embarked on an exciting collaboration project called We Are Willow and for Part 1 of the series Chris has teamed up with the ever so talented musician {and artist} Kathryn Edwards. Together they bring us ‘Saving Grace’ taken from the EP ‘We Are Willow – Part One’.

Letterpress {Feature article}

Australian designer, Alischa Herrmann, from Bespoke Press turned her back on the corporate world and decided to follow her dream of setting up a small letterpress studio. We talk to Alischa about the ups and downs of starting out and how 77 year old retired printer Robert {Bob} Read became her mentor. We also chat to Bob – just how does he feel about passing on 62 years of experience and knowledge to a younger generation?

We also interview Chicago-based designer, Chad Kouri, from the Post Family about his love of type, letterpress and his involvement with the Hamilton Woodtype Museum.

Linocut {DIY Tutorial}

Learn how to linocut this beautiful – but simple – tea towel with the help of our DIY tutorial compiled by Richard Brittain and Rebekah Nathan – the crafty duo behind Bliss In A Teacup.

Also inside this issue you will find:

• Have you ever wanted to change history? Blanket writer, Jonathan Hulme, has {let’s just say in 1995 Billy Ray Cyrus has a terrible mullet accident and can never have children, particularly one’s called Miley}. See how his world would have looked…

• Blanket writer, Gwendoline Watson, teaches us how to embrace our inner child! Who’s for colouring in purple flower stems?

• If you were a child of the 70′s you will already be familiar with the craft of macrame. But if not we are going to introduce it to you with a little help from craft extraodinaire Tamara Maynes.

• The art of Papercutting has been around for centuries but we look at how contemporary artists are influencing a new generation of graduates. We speak to Jonathan Chapman {aka mrYen} about his papercut work.

• Ever heard of the name automata? No? In more laymans terms they are mechanical toys and we see howTory Fiterre has turned his hobby into a side-business.

• Blanket writer, Melinda Woledge, discovers how an old, tatty cookbook is a direct connection to her grandmothers memory. She also passes on a unique recipe for a Bible Cake!

• Re_action!
Artists featured inside this issue: Abi Daker, Álvaro Cabeza a.k.a. CAP·388, Anna Cornell, Carla Rak, Diana Santisteban, Emily Chappell, Emma Kidd, Fee Harding, Jason Watson, Jess Racklyeft , Kim Triebsee, Kyle Jorgensen, Laurelin Matulis, Lauren Holmes, Lloyd Stubber, macn (aka Martín Cocchi Nan), Marek Haiduk, Marie Larkin, Michael Barolet, Orlagh Murphy, Sarah Holmes, Stephanie Kubo, Yung Tsai.

• Here’s my work… I hope you like it!
Artists featured inside this issue: Alvaro Sanchez, Anne Cobai, Ashwin Patel, Brandan Gomez, Carla Rak, Christopher M Brock, Claudia Forsbrey aka Claud Forsb, Davi Augusto, Emma Brown, Forrest Elliott, Jon Hannan, Rachel Caldwell, Sarah Lowicki, Stanislav Olehno, Tim Galpern.

Back from Holidays {Iceland photos!}

2010-08-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

I snuck back from holidays a couple of days ago and was straight back to work to design Issue 23 of Blanket {a 5 day deadline to finish and release the mag – wish me luck!}. So while I am busy putting the finishing touches on the ‘Gone but not Forgotten’ Issue I thought I would share some of my holiday photos from Iceland.

I seriously gave my camera a workout during this trip and I have a lot more photos to go through but I’ve picked out a few just to show you what a beautiful country Iceland is.

So Here’s my work… I hope you like it.

Now I better get back to designing Blanket so I can release it on time!

See you in the next issue,

Bec

PS/ The Blanket Online Store is up and running again so you can now order back issues of all previous Blanket magazines!

Blanket Magazine

Publishers Club Zine {screenprint}

Daren Newman {Words & Pictures Exhibition}

Publishers Club Zine Submissions {1 week left!}

Blanket News {Exciting Update!}

The Publishers Club x Inkygoodness {Manchester event!}

Page to Page / Face to Face

Let’s Celebrate! {Issue 25 is here!}

The Blanket 2011 Calendar!!

Blanket’s Cover Art

Blankets Featured Font {FREE with this issue!}

The Blanket Calendar Artist Interviews

Creative Writing

Interviews

DIY Tutorial

Here’s my work… I hope you like it…

Issue 25 {sneak peek!}

Blanket 2011 Calendar {submissions closed}

Issue 25 {it’s a cover art collaboration!}

Blanket Poster on SALE {50% off this week only!}

** NEW ISSUE FOR DOWNLOAD**

Issue 24 – The Landscape Issue

We have another big issue for you to enjoy {yep all 152 pages of it!} In Issue 24 we are exploring the power of a landscape and how it can be manipulated, changed, re-constructed, shrunk or viewed from a different perspective. Scroll down to see what we have for you in this issue!

Enjoy!

Bec

Blanket’s Cover Art

Blankets Featured Font {FREE with this issue!}

{DIY Tutorials}

Artist Interviews

Plus we uncover 47 emerging artist from all over the world in our Gallery sections!

Behold! {Blanket Gift Subscriptions}

Exquisite Book

Call for Artists {Blankets 2011 Calendar!}

BE UNCOVERED ON BLANKET’S 2011 CALENDAR!

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Issue 24 {corrections}

Issue 24 – The Landscape Issue {sneak peek!}

Papergirl exhibition {Manchester}

Ammo Magazine Issue 4 {interview}

MrYen {Blanket Featured Font as a Papercut!}

Issue 24 – The Landscape Issue {deadline!}

Blanket Featured Font designers {featured on Smashing Magazine!}

Exhibition, shows, news…

It’s here! Issue 23 is ready for download! {Yay!}

Does the future of art and design actually lie in the past? It’s the subject we are exploring in our current issue the ‘Gone but not Forgotten Issue!

Blanket’s Cover Art

Blankets Featured Font {FREE with this issue!}

We Are Willow {FREE Song Download!}

Letterpress {Feature article}

Linocut {DIY Tutorial}

Also inside this issue you will find:

Back from Holidays {Iceland photos!}

NEW ISSUE FOR DOWNLOAD